Notre-Dame de Paris

The western façade of the Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral.

We visited Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris earlier this year, during its 850-year anniversary festivities – the construction of what is known today as the most famous Gothic cathedral of the Middle Ages (according to Encyclopædia Britannica) began in 1163 and was completed after almost two centuries.

Notre-Dame de Paris - view from the south-west corner.

With some 14 million visitors a year, it’s hard to find a time when the place is less crowded, but you might want to show up at opening hours during weekdays to avoid staying in line – the cathedral opens its doors to visitors at 8:00 am every day of the year (see the full details on opening hours, reception information, service times etc. here).